Brigatinib is used to treat a certain type of lung
cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). It works by slowing or stopping the
growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking brigatinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do
not crush or chew the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, lab tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure
to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a lower dose for one
week and may then increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose at that time. Take your next dose on your usual dosing
schedule.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal
pain, constipation, tiredness, dizziness, fever, headache, trouble
sleeping, or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- slow heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, double vision)
- increased thirst/urination
- unusual muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- signs of pancreatitis or liver disease (such as
nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine,
yellowing eyes/skin)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- symptoms of new or worsening lung problems (such as cough,
shortness of breath, chest pain)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking brigatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- high blood pressure
- other lung/breathing problems
- heart disease (such as slow heartbeat)
- disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- liver disease
- diabetes
- vision problems
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun during treatment and for at least 5 days after
stopping treatment. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and
wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you
get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using brigatinib. Brigatinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the
last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of
birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. If you
or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of brigatinib
from your body, which may affect how brigatinib works. Examples include
rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat
seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart
rate, blood sugar, amylase/lipase levels, creatinine phosphokinase, liver
function, complete blood count) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.